Preparation and Characterization of Nanocomposites from Whey Protein Concentrate Activated with Lycopene

Abstract

The production and characterization of nanocomposites based on whey protein concentrate (WPC) and montmorilonite (MMT) incorporated with lycopene as a functional substance is presented and discussed as an alternative biomaterial for potential uses in foodstuff applications. A full factorial design with varying levels of MMT (0% and 2% in w/w) and lycopene (0%, 6%, and 12% in w/w) was used. Color, light transmission, film transparency, moisture, density, solubility, water vapor permeability, and antioxidant activity of the resulting materials were evaluated. Results indicated that lycopene and MMT nanoparticles were successfully included in WPC films using the casting/evaporation method. Inclusion of 2% w/w of MMT in the polymeric matrix significantly improved barrier property against water vapor. Lycopene, besides its good red coloring ability, provided to the films antioxidant activity and UV-vis light protection. These findings open a new perspective for the use of materials for bioactive packaging applications.

Characterization of red ginseng residue protein films incorporated with hibiscus extract

“…However, the WVP (1.88×10 •s•Pa). This might be due to the complex film matrix formed at the higher concentration of HE and the more complex route of water passage (19).…”

Cheese Whey Processing: Integrated Biorefinery Concepts and Emerging Food Applications

“…Findings have lately suggested that novel WPI-based nanocomposites can be part of multilayer flexible packaging films, thus holding great potential to even replace well-established fossil-based packaging materials to support certain mechanical properties during storage [151,153,155,163]. Alternative biomaterials, have also been recently proposed for potential uses in foodstuff applications, via the production of nanocomposites from WPCs activated with lycopene and montmorillonite nanoparticles [164,168]. In another work, WPI nanocomposite films properties were reinforced with oat husk nanocellulose [154].…”

“…WPC was evaluated, along with several selected biopolymers, as a potential vehicle to investigate L. rhamnosus GG survivability [165]. To date, only a few reports exist about probiotic activity in edible films and coatings from whey [164]. The possibility of implementing whey protein formations as a carrier matrix for viable probiotics could potentially result in better survival rates during storage and consumption, thereby promoting novel food applications.…”

Mechanical and structural characterization of whey protein concentrate/montmorillonite/lycopene films

“…However, to gain insights on the potential application of these films for food packaging purposes, it is important to characterize these materials in terms of their barrier, mechanical, morphological and functional properties. In a previous study, we reported the stability, water vapor permeation, antioxidant activity and color characterization of whey WPC/MMT films with lycopene, showing the feasibility of processing such formulations for foodstuff uses. The aim of the present study is to perform a structural, mechanical and thermal characterization of these films that will provide useful data in order to help future definitions of applications.…”